Getting Data In

Do we need Universal Forwarder on Splunk server?

Cbr1sg
Path Finder

Hi all,

Maybe a dummy question, do I need to setup Universal Forwarder on Splunk server to monitor and index data? (so it's like the server is forwarding data to itself)

I tested setup an app in etc/apps/ with below config but it doesn't work.

inputs.conf

 

[batch:///opt/splunk/temp/test_forward/*]
move_policy = sinkhole
disabled = 0
index = test
sourcetype = test
crcSalt = test
_TCP_ROUTING = test

 

outputs.conf

 

[indexAndForward]
index = false

[tcpout]
indexAndForward = false
maxQueueSize = 200MB

[tcpout:test]
server = <server IP>:9997

 

Thanks

Labels (1)
0 Karma

Roy_9
Motivator

Please follow the below example

# 1. In outputs.conf:
[tcpout]
defaultGroup = indexers

[indexAndForward]
index=true
selectiveIndexing=true

[tcpout:indexers]
server = 10.1.1.197:9997, 10.1.1.200:9997

# 2. In inputs.conf, Add _INDEX_AND_FORWARD_ROUTING for any data that you want
#    index locally, and
_TCP_ROUTING=<target_group> for data to be forwarded.

[monitor:///var/log/messages/]
_INDEX_AND_FORWARD_ROUTING=local

[monitor:///var/log/httpd/]
_TCP_ROUTING=indexers

 

0 Karma

Cbr1sg
Path Finder

Isn't this almost the same as my config file?

I know what parameter does what so you don't need to give the example ( and while my original question is for batch stanza, your example is for monitor stanza -- not helpful). My question is what's wrong with my config and it was not answered

anyway, thanks for trying to help.

I manage to fix the issue myself in the end

0 Karma

Roy_9
Motivator

What are you trying to achieve? Its been metioned as a splunk server, if this is a full blown instance of splunk, why are you using UF?

0 Karma

Cbr1sg
Path Finder

I'm not using UF, at least not yet

I tried to monitor the file as shown in the config above, but it doesn't work. Do you know why?

0 Karma
Got questions? Get answers!

Join the Splunk Community Slack to learn, troubleshoot, and make connections with fellow Splunk practitioners in real time!

Meet up IRL or virtually!

Join Splunk User Groups to connect and learn in-person by region or remotely by topic or industry.

Get Updates on the Splunk Community!

[Puzzles] Solve, Learn, Repeat: Matching cron expressions

This puzzle (first published here) is based on matching timestamps to cron expressions.All the timestamps ...

Design, Compete, Win: Submit Your Best Splunk Dashboards for a .conf26 Pass

Hello Splunkers,  We’re excited to kick off a Splunk Dashboard contest! We know that dashboards are a primary ...

May 2026 Splunk Expert Sessions: Security & Observability

Level Up Your Operations: May 2026 Splunk Expert Sessions Whether you are refining your security posture or ...